No registration required.
Learn more about the variety and identification characteristics of common Missouri mushrooms with mycologist Malissa Briggler. We’ll talk about edible mushrooms such as the beloved morels, along with the sinister destroying angel mushroom. Presentations at 10 AM and 1 PM. Displays and other activities ongoing.

Pups, kittens, and ducklings, too. Spring is the season to discover who’s new! There are many wild animal babies born in the spring. Learn about these young, their parents, and why it’s important to let them stay wild.

No registration required (families)
Spring has sprung at Burr Oak Woods! Let’s head out on the trails (will be stroller friendly) to explore how creatures great and small wake up when the season changes. From wildflowers blooming to birds singing we are sure to find lots of natural happenings. Dress for the weather. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from us.

Walk-in (ages 2+)
Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Our imaginations are the only limits.

Walk-in (all ages)
Grab your parents and your “Passport to Adventure” guide at the kickoff event at the Bass Pro Shop in Olathe to begin your journey to explore local history, science and nature centers right here in the Kansas City metro area. Visit a participating site, answer the question in the guide and collect stamps and small prizes on your great adventure hunt! Those who visit at least 11 passport sites and turn their book in to any site by October 31 will be placed in a drawing for one of three special grand prizes. Prizes in the past have included a family sized tent, free 1-day boat rental on a Jackson County Lake, fishing poles, and much, much more!

Join photographer Dan Liles as he teaches you how to take photos of different types of wildlife. We will start in the classroom and then hit the trails to take photos, so bring your camera or cell phone. Ages 12-17.

Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB, is an invasive small metallic green beetle that is responsible for the loss of millions of ash trees in North America, including Missouri. Join Community Forester Jennifer Behnken to learn more about this insect, how to look out for it, what it means for your ash trees, and what you can do about it.

Turkey hunting is a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying nature in spring. This workshop is designed to teach participants how to more successfully hunt the wild turkey. We’ll discuss turkey biology, hunting equipment, regulations and strategies that will make you a more confident turkey hunter.

Introduction to 5-Stand/Sporting Clays
April 1 • Monday • 6pm – 8pm
(Ages 11 and up, ages 11-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Reservations begin March 18
This is an introductory course on how to shoot 5-stand. The program will start in the classroom where you will learn safety, stance, etiquette, and technique. Afterwards the program will proceed to live fire on the 5-stand course. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided.

Walk-in (all ages) Join us for a celebration of nature as seen through the eyes of area students. View student artwork portraying nature in their different neighborhoods, talk with some of the artists then stick around for the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Stretch your creative limits and make something special for yourself or a friend using antlers as the base for jewelry. Sara Bradshaw will be the guest presenter for this unique class and will teach you the techniques needed to produce a one-of-a-kind treasure. Materials will be provided. Class size limit of 15. This program is designed for ages 16 and up. Under 18 must have a parent or guardian present. To make a reservation, register on-line or call 888-283-0364. For further information, you can call 573-325-1381.

(all ages, 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult) Spring turkey hunting offers some of the most challenging, exciting, and rewarding hunts in Missouri! Join us to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, or gain confidence so you can harvest a big spring gobbler. We will discuss turkey biology, habitat, hunting strategies, firearms, ammunition, and much more!

Join the Two Bobs (Korpella and Ranney) of the Springfield Plateau Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists for an evening of music, song, photography, and thought on the beauty, health, and future of Missouri's streams and rivers.

Celebrate the wonders of nature. Join Cindy Bridges and hike the trails at Greer Spring and roam through a variety of Ozark settings while you do some birding and learn about the habits and habitats of the birds you find. You never know what awaits at the next bend in the trail. Hikers will meet at Greer river access at 9:00 a.m. or at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center at 8:00 a.m. to shuttle to Greer. All ages are welcome. For further information, call 573-325-1381.

Do you want to learn how to fish? This class is a pre-requisite of a four-part program that will teach you the basics of fishing. Come by the Nature Center and you will get to learn about fishing equipment, casting, and proper fish handling techniques.

Brittany Martinez, Missouri Mycological Society
Puffball, stinkhorn, chanterelle, hen of the woods, morel: so many mushrooms and so little time! Brittany will introduce you to some of the fascinating fungi of Missouri.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Have you taken DNF: 1 before? This is the second of a four-part program that will teach you the basics of fishing.* You will learn how to properly tie a knot, bait a hook, and what you need to stock a basic tackle box.
*DNF: 1 is a required prerequisite for this class.

Walk-in (all ages) Cluck, Purr, GOBBLE! The wild turkey is our largest native bird and the sounds of tom turkeys gobbling is a sure sign of spring. Join us as we learn about the history of turkey populations in Missouri and the work that has been done to restore their populations. Bring your turkey calls and learn how to use them with some expert callers. Learn about hunting methods and safety precautions that will help you in the turkey woods. Children can make some turkey art using real turkey feathers.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

Walk-in (ages 3-8; all welcome) Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Children will participate in a hands-on nature activity.

What is your maximum effective range to harvest a turkey? What shot size should you be using for turkey hunting? These questions and more will be answered in this informative program on shotgun patterning for turkey hunting. We will help you find the most effective choke/shot shell combination for your shotgun. Firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided however you are encouraged to bring your own shotgun, chokes, and ammunition. Ages 10 and up, participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.